Ruby, Hero of “For the Birds” by Aaron Paul Lazar

What is your story?

The name of the book with my beautiful picture on it is FOR THE BIRDS, by author Aaron Paul Lazar. It’s about these really nasty guys who were chasing my owners all over the Adirondacks. There were secrets, soooo many secrets. Money. Family. Lies. And more.

Who are you?

My name is Ruby. I’m a ring-necked parrot. I own two humans named Quinn and Marcella. They listen pretty well, for people.

Where do you live?

My cage is in the living room of my humans’ house on Honeoye Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Sometimes I get to go outside and imagine soaring over the big lake. Love that!

Are you the hero of your own story?

Er, of course! That’s why my picture is on the book cover! Come see it here: http://www.lazarbooks.com.

What is your problem in the story?

Well, except for my owner’s mother falling into a swimming pool, dragging me after her, and getting electrocuted so that we were both in each others’ minds… not much! Honestly, though, you should have heard the things coming out of my mouth after that. I felt like I was inside Thelma’s head, which was a little creepy.

Do you have a problem that wasn’t mentioned in the story?

My mother, Sarafina, died last year. I’ve been pretty depressed about it. Hardly playing with my toys at all.

What are your achievements?

Last summer I helped find Marcella’s mother. She was tied to a tree on Blackbird Island and I found her.

Do you have any special strengths?

Yes, I can eat more seeds in a minute than any bird I know. Of course, I don’t know any birds, except that cute Blue Boy who was at the bird show. But I beat him out, he only got second place! ;o)

What makes you happy?

Cookies! Okay I think that is enough talk about food. I’m making myself hungry. Where is Quinn? Come on, Quinn. Pretty boy! You da man! Feed Ruby!

What are you afraid of?

Big dogs.

What makes you sad?

My mom dying.

What, if anything, haunts you?

I’m not too fond of that guy, Tiramisu, who tormented us last year. All he wanted was money from the big bank heist that nobody solved in 50 years. He was a real creep.

Have you ever had an adventure?

Last year’s adventure at Tall Pines was enough for a lifetime. Whoa. Almost drowning and trying to help Thelma after she was kidnapped — that’s enough for me.

Was there ever a defining moment of your life?

When Marcella finally really listened and heard me saying “Blackbird Island!”

What is your most closely guarded secret?

I hide seeds under my bed.

What is your favorite scent?

I like the smell of the Essential Oils. It means Quinn will be happy and play with me. He loves those oils and it helps his obsession with germs.

What is your favorite color?

Blue. ‘Cause my heartthrob is blue.

What is your favorite food?

Cookies! Need you ask?

If you had the power to change one thing in the world that didn’t affect you personally, what would it be?

All the other birds in the world could have unclipped wings and fly. Me? I’m happy with Quinn and Marcella. I don’t want to get eaten by a big hawk.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Quinn’s like my dad. I would want him there to climb trees and get me seeds and nuts.

Click here for an: Excerpt From “For the Birds” by Aaron Paul Lazar